Online ISSN: 2515-8260

Chronic Osteomyelitis and its variegated exhibitions in Orthopaedics: A Case Series

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DR. SACHIN T G, DR. VEJAY KUMAR

Abstract

Despite the rapid advances in the treatment modalities for Orthopedics, Chronic Osteomyelitis is one of the most challenging conditions to treat by surgeons, and needs great commitment. The causes of chronic osteomyelitis can be implant related or due to hematogenous spread of infection to bone following trauma. Here we report 3 different cases who presented with chronic osteomyelitis and were treated successfully, with thorough wound debridement of necrotized tissue, commencement of culture sensitive antibiotics for the duration of six weeks, and skeletal stabilization with internal fixation. This multidisciplinary approach of chronic osteomyelitis helped in better improvement of function of limb and decreased the morbidity of patients. For better functional outcome, a period of almost six months is needed for recovery. INTRODUCTION: Osteomyelitis was first defined by the French surgeon Chassaignac in 1852, as an infection localized to bone.[1] Despite rapid advances in Orthopedics, Chronic Osteomyelitis has always been one of the most challenging conditions. It is an inflammation of bone and bone marrow caused by either fungi or by pyogenic bacteria.[2] Osteomyelitis leads to formation of sequestra (termed by Hunter[2]in 1764, describing pockets of dead cortical bone with abscess) and involucrum, or new bone formed in response to the sequestra around it by Totenlade (coffin) in German. Multiple openings in the involucrum are formed, called as “cloaca”, through which pus and sequestrum come out of the bone, largely because of the avascular nature of sequestra.

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